Water rats are a predominately carnivorous species feeding on a variety of aquatic animals including fish, crustaceans, shellfish, small birds, eggs, mammals, frogs, reptiles. In winter, when resources are limited, they will also take plants.[13] A mostly nocturnal species, they source their food on dusk, partly by sight when in the water and hunting prey on the waters edge returning to a favourite feeding place where evidence of previous catches can be seen. They can be found swimming and feeding in the early morning and evening. The animal does not tolerate low temperatures well, so they prefer terrestrial prey in winter over the aquatic species. They also spend longer periods in the warmth of the burrow
So their behavior is more like that of an otter. They do not inhabit human buildings
The black and brown rats inhabit human buildings
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Rakali Australian Water Rats
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Re: Rakali Australian Water Rats
The group of rats that are associated with disease and food losses come from europe and asia. These are the black and brown rats that arrived on board of sailing ships,
The term "rat" is also used in the names of other small mammals which are not true rats. Examples include the North American pack rats, a number of species loosely called kangaroo rats, and others. Rats such as the bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) are murine rodents related to true rats, but are not members of the genus Rattus.
Australian natives tend to avoid human habitation whilst the black and brown rats can be found in human habitation.
The term "rat" is also used in the names of other small mammals which are not true rats. Examples include the North American pack rats, a number of species loosely called kangaroo rats, and others. Rats such as the bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) are murine rodents related to true rats, but are not members of the genus Rattus.
Australian natives tend to avoid human habitation whilst the black and brown rats can be found in human habitation.